Photo by John Cook • A bugler plays Taps during a memorial service May 30 at Indianfields Township Cemetery. The ceremony was held in honor of Medal of Honor winner Maynard Smith of Caro.
By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
CARO — Although Maynard Harrison Smith is know by such comical names as “Snuffy Smith” and also “Hokie Smith,” his actions during combat weren’t comical.
Smith, who was a Caro native, is believed to be Tuscola County’s only Medal of Honor holder. To honor Smith, his actions, and legacy a special ceremony was held at the Indianfields Township Cemetery May 30, which is the original date of Memorial Day before it was changed to create a three-day holiday.
“Tonight we honor all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice to our country, because there is no remembrance of their deeds,” said Don Lotter who helped coordinate the event. “I wish to acknowledge the 680 veterans in this cemetery, and the 169 veterans interned into adjacent Sacred Heart Cemetery.”
While all veterans were honored for their service to their county during Tuscola County’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony, the events centered on Smith, his colorful life, and his heroic service to his country.
Smith served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a staff sergeant and gunner aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber in World War II. During his first mission over France as a turret gunner, his aircraft sustained heavy gunfire and damage. The pilot ordered the crew to bail out, but Smith disobeyed order and stayed.
Because he disobeyed a direct order, he was subsequently busted to a private, but later recognized to receive the United States highest recognition – the Medal of Honor.
Tuscola County’s VFW Post 4164, Post 4164 Auxiliary, American Legion Post #7, American Legion Auxiliary #7, the Sons of the American Legion Post #7, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War LeValley – Heusted Camp #225, Am Vets Post #1072, Polish Legion of American Veterans, Civil Air Patrol, and Knights of Columbus Caro Council 3224 all helped with Tuscola County’s annual Memorial Day service and Smith’s recognition.
(The rest of Smith’s unique story and photographs will be in a special section of the June 21 edition of the Tuscola County Advertiser.)